For Immediate Release: June 3, 2009
DBEDT Release News 09-16

HONOLULU—The state of Hawai‘i, in cooperation with the Defense Energy Support Center and U.S. Pacific Command will host a major conference, the Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo, in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, August 31 - September 3, 2009.

The Summit will provide a forum for government, defense department officials, industry professionals, customers and facilitators in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific region on public policy; emerging technologies and opportunities; energy efficiency and security issues that transcend national borders.

"We are pleased to partner with the United States Department of Defense on this important event," said Governor Linda Lingle. "Hawai‘i is an ideal location to convene an energy-related meeting that brings together key public policy officials, our military forces and industry experts to focus on energy security through renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation. Hawai‘i can be a significant contributor and global role model of renewable energy development that also can positively impact Hawai‘i's economic future."

"As an energy consumer in Hawai‘i, Pacific Command and the Department of Defense recognize our responsibilities to foster conservation and clean energy production, while promoting energy independence," said Navy Admiral Timothy J. Keating, U.S. Pacific Command commander. "This summit will provide stakeholders a forum to share ideas and help find areas where improvements can be made in energy efficiency."

In January 2008, Hawai‘i entered into an unprecedented partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy known as The Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) which will change in a fundamental way how renewable energy efficiency resources are planned and used in the state of Hawai‘i. The goal of the HCEI is to have 70 percent of Hawai‘i's energy come from clean sources by 2030. The successful development and execution of the objectives of this partnership will provide a replicable global model for achieving positive results.

"As the Asia-Pacific region sets an aggressive course toward energy independence, we can make greater progress with a joint effort," Governor Lingle said. "Hawai‘i's solar, wind, wave, ocean thermal, geothermal and climate resources can serve as the foundation for an economy based on renewable energy and energy conservation and efficiency."

The 7th Korea-Pacific U.S. States joint conference also will be held in conjunction with this Energy Summit and Expo. A special delegation from Korea and the states of Alaska, California, Oregon, Idaho and Washington will attend to present renewable and alternative energy initiatives and technologies from their regions.

The Summit will be held at the Sheraton Waikiki Resort. For more information, please visit www.asiapacificcleanenergy.com.

For more information, contact:
Dave Young, DBEDT Communications
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: dyoung@dbedt.hawaii.gov